1000 Books Before Kindergarten

2015, June 12 - 4:00pm — chaworth

On behalf of the 1,000 Books Foundation and the Rockyford Library we invite you to participate in this free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten.

Program Overview
The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, in fant, toddler and/or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten.

If it sounds ovewhelming, here's a different way to think about it. If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read approximately 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think!

The key is perserverance. Make it exciting and be sure to bring your log books in to the library to receive a small prize whenever you reach a 100 books milestone.

How to Participate1. Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you.

2. Keep track of the titles of the books that you read with your child. Make a record of what you are reading in your own booklet, or pick up convenient log sheets at the library. If you prefer recording your reading digitally there is now a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten App through iTunes with which you can also record your reading.

3. After each 100 book milestone is reached, bring your log into the library and we will reward your child with a prize.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Can participate? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten.

2. How long will the program take? It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. It is self paced and will depend on how often you read together.

3. How many children can participate? All of them -- provided they have not yet started kindergarten. Make it even more fun and read together as a family.

5. What books should we read? Whatever books interest your child. If you need ideas of great books to read aloud you can download the suggested reading list below (compiled by 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten). You can also always ask your librarian for their read aloud favorites!